Short breaks & city breaks with Cox & Kings

The Cox & Kings range of luxury city breaks has been specially created to feature culturally fascinating destinations easily accessible from the United Kingdom. Mostly European based, we also offer short breaks in Morocco and Canada.

Whether it’s the magnificent Renaissance city of Florence, the cobbled streets of Tallinn or the frenetic colour and activity of Marrakech, our carefully chosen selection of destinations offers value for money and superior accommodation. Many of our short breaks also include free nights and other seasonal offers.

In many cases we have suggested a number of hotels to provide you with a choice of price, location and character. Cox & Kings’ short breaks generally include scheduled flights or train travel, private transfers between the airport or railway station and the hotel, accommodation and breakfast. Guided sightseeing and other excursions can usually be booked in advance through Cox & Kings.

Near the south coast of Sicily, the town of Agrigento is largely overshadowed by the nearby Valle dei Templi (Valley of the Temples), a series of Doric Temples strung out on a ridge facing the sea. Agrigento itself is an interesting town with medieval street...

5 Days & 4 Nights

This small fishing port, on islands connected by bridges in the northern part of Norway's fjord region, is an ideal base for exploring the region. The island was rebuilt by art nouveau architects from all around Europe following a fire that destroyed most of...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Situated at latitude 70 degrees north, the town of Alta benefits from a relatively mild climate. Made up of three areas called Bossekop, Elvebakken, and Bukta, all known collectively as Alta, Alta achieved official town status on 1 January 2000. The town was...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Formerly a maritime superpower with a population of more than 70,000, Amalfi suffered a devasting earthquake in 1343 which resulted in much of the town being lost to the sea. Today Amalfi is a small seaside town set around a small cove with just over 5,000...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and the country's largest city. It is renowned for its 1,000 bridges linking the land between symmetrical canals lined with houseboats, and a host of art galleries. The rich merchant's past of the city is reflected...

3 Days & 2 Nights

While the Parthenon represents the 'golden age' of Athens urban planning, the Romans, Byzantines and Venetians also left their architectural legacy in the city. Beneath a skyline of elegant neoclassical facades and whitewashed houses, the historic Plaka...

4 Days & 3 Nights

In a privileged position on the northeastern coast of the Iberian peninsula and the shores of the Mediterranean, Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain in both size and population. It is also the capital of Catalonia, one of the seventeen Autonomous...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Situated in the middle of a group of mountains known as de syv fjell, Bergen is also known as 'the city among the seven mountains'. During the Middle Ages, Bergen was one of the most important cities of the Hanseatic League when Saxon merchants settled in th...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Berlin's history has been central to the modern history of Europe and it remains a hugely influential and vibrant city. The city, which had been split in two since the Second World War, was reunited when the Berlin Wall came down in 1989 and it now buzzes...

5 Days & 4 Nights

Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque region and its principal industrial centre. With a combination of industrial and post modernist architecture, the city has been greatly improved with an urban development scheme. The heart of the city is the medieval...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Due to the dominant colour of the city's elegant monuments, the university town of Bologna is also know as the Red City. Having been founded in the 6th Century BC, Bologna was the Etruscan Po Valley territories capital for 200 years. Main sights of the city...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Located in the south-west of France, the city of Bordeaux has the River Garonne at its heart. It contains the largest concentration of 18th century buildings in Europe and the historical centre, the "Port of the Moon" is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Now...

4 Days & 3 Nights

With its diverse history, handsome architecture and rich cultural heritage, Hungary's capital deserves its reputation as the 'Paris of Eastern Europe'. The city sits on either side of a gentle curve in the Danube River, the Buda hills rising dramatically on...

4 Days & 3 Nights

This Riviera city on the Cote d'Azur has long been seen as a playground for the sophisticated travellers and hosts Europe's most famous annual film festival. In the early 19th century, it was a small, humble fishing village...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Situated just 5 kilometres from the mainland in the Bay of Naples, the Island of Capri with its rich flora and fauna, serene atmosphere and breathtaking views has been a haven for travellers since the days of Roman Republic. Often visited...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Sicily's second largest city, Catania has a population of around 300,000 and lies along the shores of the Ionian Sea, under the shadow of Mount Etna, or "A Muntagna" as the volcano is known locally. An ever-present, Mount Etna has shaped the history and...

4 Days & 3 Nights

With the 12th century cathedral built by Roger II as it centre point, the town of Cefalu is charming small town located on the northern coast of Sicily. The grid system of narrow lanes and alleys start at the cathedral and proceed to the sea front with its...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Cologne is the fourth-largest city in Germany and the largest city in the Rhineland region. It is renowned for its Roman relics with the some of the city's walls dating back to 38 BC when the city was on the borders of the Roman Empire. Its medieval heyday i...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Copenhagen, Scandinavia's second largest city, retains much of the intimate atmosphere of the fishing harbour town it once was. Many of the city's most impressive buildings date from the golden age of the 17th century when the extensive canal network was...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Steeped in history, Cordoba is a city of stunning Moorish architecture, ancient palaces, beautiful parks and gardens, monuments and flower-filled courtyards. Ten centuries ago it was the capital of Muslim Spain and Europe's largest cultural and intellectual...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Often spoken of as Germany's most beautiful city, Dresden is rich in cultural and historic sights. The most famous of these is the Zwinger, the marvellous baroque palace which today houses various art galleries. One of Europe's top galleries is prominent in...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Dubrovnik, described by Byron as "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a city of a unique political history, of world-famous cultural heritage and beauty, and is one of the most attractive and famous cities of the Mediterranean. Founded 1300 years ago, Dubrovnik's...

4 Days & 3 Nights

The town of Erice is located at an elevation of 750m on top Mount Erice overlooking the city of Trapani, in the south west of the island of Sicily. The foundation of the town was associated with the strong Greek influence in the region but it was destroyed b...

5 Days & 4 Nights

Florence is rightly viewed as one of Italy's most atmospheric and beautiful cities. It contains a spectacular array of Renaissance art and architecture within its compact, vibrant centre. Florence also offers the finest culinary traditions of Tuscany, in...

4 Days & 3 Nights

With a rich Maritime and commercial history, the port town of Genoa is often overlooked as just a stepping off point for the area. The city's origins date back to the pre Phoenician era and offer a wealth of cultural and historic highlights for its...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Situated on the banks of the River Gota and often seen as the gateway to western Sweden, the city is rich in cultural and historical attractions. Known as the Green city, due to the large number of parks and gardens, which are prevalent throughout,...

4 Days & 3 Nights

The Andalucían city of Granada is set below the spectacular snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is home to the Alhambra, a magnificent Moorish stronghold whose Alcazaba fortress, beautiful palaces, elaborate courtyards and luxurious...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Germany's second largest city, Hamburg is centred on its port. It has a rich history dating back to the Hanseatic league which made it a powerful city state. The modern day city is a colourful destination with a variety of architectural styles and impressive...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Spread across a cluster of promontories and peninsulas, the Baltic city of Helsinki is some 450 years old. Its wide avenues are lined with buildings echoing centuries of architectural excellence from Gothic through to art deco and contemporary, which are...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Hvar Island, sometimes referred to as the 'Croatian Madeira', receives more sunshine than anywhere else in the country. The traffic-free streets and beautifully ornamented buildings of Hvar Town are reminiscent of Venice, and the island is known for its...

8 Days & 7 Nights

Ischia is the largest of the islands in the Bay of Naples and has attracted visitors over the centuries due to its medicinal spas, which use the island's thermal hot springs and its volcanic mud. There are a number of small villages on the island, the larges...

6 Days & 5 Nights

Jerusalem has maintained a central place in history for over 3,000 years. Situated in the Judean hills the strategic importance of the city has made it a much fought over prize. Israelites, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Christians, Muslims and Turks...

5 Days & 4 Nights

Located 15 minutes' drive from Kiruna airport, the village of Jukkasjärvi is renowned for its ice hotel that is built annually in the winter months from the nearby lake. The village has a small number of buildings centred on the local...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Kemi is a town and municipality located at the mouth of the Kemijoki river by Bothnian Bay in the Lapland region of northern Finland. The town was founded in 1869 by royal decree due to its proximity to a deep water harbour. With a population of about 22,000...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Situated on the far north eastern tip of Norway at the 'top of the world', the little town of Kirkenes is set beside a vast fjord 400km inside the Arctic Circle. The area offers an excellent chance of spotting the natural wonder of the northern lights that...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Situated in the province of Lapland and the northernmost city in Sweden, Kiruna is 200km north of the Arctic Circle. Due to the picturesque surrounding countryside, the town is popular destination for winter sports including dog-sled and reindeer tours. The...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Often described as one of Europe's most beautiful cities, Krakow dates back to the 7th century and continues to display its deep and varied roots. Largely undamaged during WWII, the architecture is not only beautiful but historic, meriting the Old Town's...

4 Days & 3 Nights

The coastal city of La Rochelle was established as a harbour in the 10th century and became an important centre for maritime commerce and trade for a number of centuries. From the 12th to 14th centuries the city changed hands between English Plantagenet rule...

3 Days & 2 Nights

Located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, Lake Como is one of the deepest lakes in Europe with a depth of over 400 metres. The Lake is best known for its historic villas, amongst the most renowned being Villa Carlotta at Tremezzo, Villa d'Este at...

4 Days & 3 Nights

The largest of the northern Italian lakes, visitors have been attracted to the region due to the family run hotels and the small picturesque villages and towns that line the shores of the lake. Stay in either Sirmione, which is renowned for its sulphur...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Lake Maggiore has the Swiss town of Locarno on its northern shores, against the backdrop of the Lepontine and Pennine Alps, and the Lombardy plains on the southern shores. Visitors are attracted to the region due to is temporal climate, the splendid villas...

4 Days & 3 Nights

With its rich merchant past, the town of Lille offers boutiques and markets but it is also home to some wonderful museums. A highlight
is the Charles De Gaulle Museum and the Fine Arts Museum, the second largest in France after the Louvre. Also worth...

3 Days & 2 Nights

Lisbon is one of Europe's most exciting and beautiful cities, with breathtaking architecture, world-class museums, a lively cultural scene and excellent restaurants. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Tower of Belem, explore the narrow winding...

4 Days & 3 Nights

With complete Renaissance city walls, the city of Lucca is one of the most charming in Tuscany. As the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini, the city is steeped in musical history and honours its favourite son with an annual music festival in the months of July and...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Located on the Bothnian Coast, the town of Luleå is excellent destination for outdoor pursuits. One of the principal reasons for this is that Luleå is situated in an archipelago of over 800 islands which is a haven for wildlife. During the winter months, the...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Dating back to pre Roman times, the city of Lyon has always been an important trading centre due to its location on the junction of the Rhone and the Saone Rivers. The city boasts one of France's largest squares, the Place Bellecour, and one of Europe's...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Madrid is a city with a relatively short history compared to other European capitals but it has acquired artistic possessions that make it one of the world's most exciting cultural destinations. The best-known museums are on the city's "Paseo del Arte": The...

4 Days & 3 Nights

The city of Malaga flourished during the Muslim era but in later years succumbed to famine and civil war. Today the city is the gateway to Andalucia and the Costa Del Sol coastline. Cultural highlights of the city include the Alcazaba, a Muslim palace that...

4 Days & 3 Nights

The compact island of Malta is rich in archaeology, architecture and art and home to beautiful landscapes and a vibrant history. From the first inhabitants, who built colossal temples close to 7,000 years ago, to the Knights of St John, Malta has preserved...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Marsala is situated on the far north west coast of Sicily, next to Stagnone Lagoon, a marine area with salt pans. The city was founded by the last remaining survivors of Mozia, an island in the middle of the lagoon, and once a major Phoenician and...

5 Days & 4 Nights

Lying at the mouth of the Mazaro River, the town of Mazara del Vallo is a large agricultural centre and the base for the largest fishing fleet in the country. The city has a rich history and the ownership of the town has been fought over through the centurie...

5 Days & 4 Nights

Located on the confluence of the rivers Janni Mauru and Pozzo dei Pruni, the modern town is divided into two areas; Modica Alt which is built on the hill and is connected to Modica Bassa, the lower town via flights of steps. This Unesco world heritage site...

5 Days & 4 Nights

Moscow is a city of contrasts where ancient monasteries and ultra-modern monoliths stand side by side, epitomising the changes sweeping through Russia. The city's origins as a symbol of Russian spiritual and political power go back 850 years, and the city...

4 Days & 3 Nights

The third largest Estonian island, Muhu is located in the Baltic Sea and is accessible by either a ferry from Virtsu or from a causeway from Saaremaa. Visitors to the island are attracted to the wildlife, which is abundant on the island, the midsummer jazz...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is the most 'gentlich' city in Germany: an elegant cultural centre less than an hour from the foothills of the Alps. It boasts art and architectural treasures that rival those of Berlin, and is home to the National Theatre...

4 Days & 3 Nights

The Capital city of the Campania region of Italy, Naples is situated on the coast overlooking the Gulf of Naples. Its close proximity to the tourist resorts of the Amalfi coast, Sorrento, Positano, the important archaeological site of Pompeii and Mt Vesuvius...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Established by the Greeks, Nice is the capital of the Riviera and makes a great base from which to explore the Côte d'Azur. In addition to the glorious coastline and Mediterranean climate, the city has a number of...

4 Days & 3 Nights

In ancient times Padova was one of the wealthiest cities in Northern Italy and remained so until the Lombards destroyed it in the 7th century. The city quickly recovered and in 1222, became one of the first university cities in...

4 Days & 3 Nights

One of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world, Paris has captured the hearts and minds of travellers for centuries. From wide tree-lined boulevards and chic cafés, to outstanding museums and iconic monuments, the city is compact enough to be see...

3 Days & 2 Nights

Parma is in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, famous for its architecture and beautiful rolling countryside. The city itself straddles the meandering Torrente Parma and enjoys a rich history that is reflected in its many beautiful buildings, particularly...

4 Days & 3 Nights

A former maritime power rivalling Genoa and Venice, Pisa was a significant port in European history for many centuries. Today within the walled old town, the lawned Piazza dei Miracoli is one of the world's loveliest squares, home to an extraordinary...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Portugal's second-largest city, Porto was built along the hillsides overlooking the mouth of the Douro River. An outstanding urban landscape with a UNESCO Heritage listed historical city centre, it has a number of monuments and museums and is small enough to...

4 Days & 3 Nights

With its dramatic tree-lined cliffs, ocean views, warm weather and delicious food, Portofino is located in the province of Liguria, on a section of the Italian Riviera known as the Levante Riviera. Since the 1950s Hollywood stars and European royalty have...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Located on the Amalfi Coast, in Campania, Positano sits on an enclave in the hills winding down to the coast. Its main attraction is the Church of Santa Maria Assunta that has a tiled dome and features a 13th century Byzantine icon of the black Madonna. Afte...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Classified as a Unesco world heritage site, Ragusa has a rich and ancient history. The town is divided into two areas: the old part was built from 1693 in the Baroque style after an earthquake destroyed most of the town, and the newer second half, the Ibla,...

5 Days & 4 Nights

Overlooking the Gulf of Tigullio, the picturesque town of Rapallo is a popular seaside destination. The sandy beach is lined with bright blue changing cabins and palm trees giving the town an old-fashioned...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Perched high on the on the cliffs above Amalfi, the small town of Ravello is often regarded as the one of the most attractive and picturesque destinations on the Amalfi Coast. Home to the renowned music festival which takes place in Ravello's ornate gardens...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Ravenna is the best place to see Early Christian and Byzantine church architecture and decoration of the 5th and 6th centuries. In 401 AD the city became the capital of the Western Roman Empire and mosaic-clad churches were constructed. Ravenna continued to...

4 Days & 3 Nights

First settled by Vikings in 874, Reykjavik is the world's most northerly capital cities and one of the smallest, making it easy to explore on foot. Framed by the majestic Mount Esja and Faxafloi Bay, the city enjoys a wonderful natural setting. Close to...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Riga is the largest, most vibrant city in the Baltic region and its history and architecture reflect the influences of Russia and Germany in Latvia. The town is split into two parts, on the east and west banks of the River Daugava. Riga's Old Town, with its...

4 Days & 3 Nights

The legacies of Rome’s 3,000-year history are visible almost everywhere, from its Roman ruins to early Christian churches, medieval bell towers and Renaissance palaces. Rome is also a great place for shopping, enjoying the local cuisine and people-watching i...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Famous as the home of Santa Claus, Lapland is a true winter wonderland where the sky is often filled with the enchanting spectacle of the northern lights. Located in Finland's far north, the city of Rovaniemi springs to life every winter as visitors come to...

4 Days & 3 Nights

The city of Salzburg was the seat of a series of prince-archbishops, whose court was the centre of the city's musical life. Many distinguished musicians and composers came and went over the years, but it was Mozart's musical performances which became the mos...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Enjoying a stunning setting on the Bay of Biscay in Spain's mountainous Basque Country, San Sebastian's natural beauty is enhanced by its magnificent architecture, plazas and parks, which are dotted throughout the city. Its allure as a seaside retreat began...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Santorini is part of the Cyclades islands, in the middle of the Greek islands, in the Aegean Sea. Santorini is the remains of a large volcanic explosion, which formied a caldera. There are amazing views from many of the villages, of steep cliffs and the...

6 Days & 5 Nights

The town of Sciacca is located on the southwestern coast of Sicily, in the province of Agrigento. Its history can be traced back to the 5th century BC but the city came into prominence with the Saracen invasions in the 9th century and the Norman conquests in...

5 Days & 4 Nights

One of the earliest Moorish conquests and the second city of Al-Andalus, in the 15th century Seville later became Spain's major city. Today Seville is the capital city of the south and remnants of its fascinating history are abundant. Highlights of the city...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Set in the heart of Tuscany, Siena is one of Italy's best-preserved medieval towns. Built on three hills and surrounded by well-preserved ramparts, the city is filled with fine examples of impressive Gothic architecture and has one of the world's most...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Located south of Naples, Sorrento makes an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding area. Built on a hillside overlooking the Bay of Naples, Sorrento has a wide variety of shops, restaurants and cultural sights including the Cathedral and 18th-centur...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Split, Croatia's second city, is located on a peninsula in the heart of the Dalmatian coast, set against a backdrop of high coastal mountains. The city itself has a fascinating historic old town with a pretty palm-lined harbour, where you can find the UNESCO...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Created 300 years ago by Peter the Great as his "window on the West" St Petersburg is a city unlike any other in Europe and certainly in Russia. Its grand beauty, its architectural splendour, the wealth of its cultural treasures and the intrigue of its rich...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Established in 1252 Stockholm was a fortified island controlling the trade route between the Baltic Sea and Lake Malaren. Today the city is considered as one of the most beautiful capitals in the world. Built on 14 islands, Stockholm can be explored on foot...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Located in southeastern Sicily, Syracuse was first settled by colonists from Corinth in 734 BC. Considered by Cicero to be the ancient world's most beautiful city, it equalled Athens in power and prestige. Today, Ortygia the centre of the old city has...

4 Days & 3 Nights

On the north-eastern edge of the Baltic Sea, Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe, and as such the Old Town area is included in UNESCO's World Heritage List. The aura of the 14th and 15th centuries survives...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Located on the terrace of Mount Etna and a cable car ride away from pretty beaches, once a former capital of Byzantine Sicily, Taormina is a well preserved medieval town with a wealth of cultural attractions. It has been the destination of choice for a numbe...

4 Days & 3 Nights

The modern, cosmopolitan city of Tel Aviv is the second largest city in Israel, and is Israel's cultural and commercial centre. Founded in 1909 on the outskirts of the ancient seaport of Jaffa, the city is a vibrant, modern metropolis, and home to almost...

5 Days & 4 Nights

Thingvellir National Park is the oldest national park in Iceland and protects the site of the world's oldest still-existing parliament, established in 930 AD by Iceland's founding Norse settlers. Also located within the park's boundaries are the scenic...

5 Days & 4 Nights

Known also as the 'Gateway to the Arctic', Tromso has been the starting point for many polar expeditions. It is the world's northernmost university town and it has a vivid cultural and pub life. Tromso is surrounded by snow-capped...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Until 1945 Turin was the capital of Italy and seat of the Savoys, and today the city still retains an air of grandeur. The most famous site in Turin is the Shroud of Turin, believed to be Christ's burial cassock, located at Cathedral di San Giovanni Batista....

4 Days & 3 Nights

The third largest city in Spain, Valencia is a vibrant city located on the east coast of the country. With exuberant fiestas, colourful ceramics and most attractions within walking distance, the city is a popular destination for visitors to the region. The...

4 Days & 3 Nights

For centuries, Venice has inspired many of the world’s greatest artists and writers. Whether exploring it on foot or by boat, this romantic city is a constant inspiration with its grand palazzos and piazzas and its magnificent courtyards and...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Forever associated with Romeo and Juliet, Verona is one of Italy's loveliest and most romantic cities. In centuries past, this former Roman centre was referred to as 'Piccola Roma' or little Rome. The pedestrianised city centre includes the city's many...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Vienna is a fascinating blend of the historic and the modern, with a wealth of grand architecture and a stunning musical heritage. There are some excellent examples of Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture and the Schloss Schonbrunn, summer residence of the...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Warsaw, the capital of Poland, and roughly at its geographical centre, is the main centre of political, scientific and educational life in the country. Its history falls into two distinct parts: before World War II, and after. It was heavily bombed during...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Zagreb sits on the southern slopes of Mount Medvednica overlooking the Sava River. It is a thriving capital city with an impressive collection of museums and galleries. Its history stretches back to the 11th century when it began to develop from the twin...

4 Days & 3 Nights

Tour & accommodation standards

We have highlighted the standard of accommodation featured on a tour immediately above the tour itinerary.

In some cases, tours include some departures in one category and some in another: you can see and select the different tour types under ‘tour variations’. For these tours, the itinerary is generally the same and just the standard of accommodation varies. However, if there are any variations in the excursions included, these are shown within the itinerary.

Superior: Most Cox & Kings tours fall under this category and are based in 4- or 5-star accommodation, or the best available.

Luxury: These tours will usually feature 5-star de luxe accommodation throughout.

Discovery: This type of holiday is best suited to the hardier traveller, as it will typically include some quite basic accommodation, possibly longer and rougher road journeys and, in some cases, more arduous activities, such as trekking.

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The holiday was superb. Everything was perfect: nobody could have wished for a better honeymoon. Our driver was excellent and it felt very luxurious being driven around. He was very courteous and looked after us so well - far above and beyond the call of duty.Mr John and Trudy Cornes